Off the back of his ballot exemption win, Avilius is now the outright Melbourne Cup (3200m) favourite with Tab.com.au, perhaps an overreaction.

The James Cummings trained import got his free ticket into the race by winning the Bart Cummings (2500m) on the track and again in the Stewards Room, surviving a protest. He was $13 prior to the race with the TAB, with one punter having $1500 each way at $13/$4 before he won the race. He is now the $9 favourite.

The other key firmer was Youngstar, who was outstanding behind Winx in the Turnbull. She was as much as $51 prior to the race but after that run she’s now at $17.